Are languages important?

Are languages important?
Sunday February 27, 2011
By: Gina Roman


It’s the second to last day of the second month of the year. Where did the seconds, hours, days, weeks go? Time sure flies when one is having fun, doesn’t it?
With the month coming to an end I’ve been pondering on the fact of how important languages can be as they open new horizons, a whole new world, each language is very unique and it holds its own beauty and an amazing history behind it. I’ve always been a fond admirer of those who speak more than three languages because I can barely handle two: Spanish (my native language) and English my adoptive language which has slowly become my first language given the fact that all of my work has to be done in English; Teaching, translating, writing, doing business etc. many people I talk to such as friends, co-workers, clients, students, don’t believe that English is not my mother tongue, they say I sound so “American” and it makes me laugh and think to myself, “How can they not hear my Latino accent?” but at the same time nobody can really define another person’s accent and nationality since the world is a melting pot. There are so many interesting mixes; this reminds me of a pot of chilaquiles. The small chunks of tortilla are put in the pot, the sauce is poured, they are stirred and mixed, the tortillas blend with each other and you get an exquisite mix.
As far as Spanish, I am not proud to say this but my language skills are too basic, I don’t sound as professional as I should. And my grammar is not any better. A few months ago I started teaching a Spanish class but my student cancelled, there was never a complaint, a bad comment, feedback, nothing, he just stopped coming to class. I am 95% sure that he didn’t like my class. Also when it comes to dealing with Mexican customers, I’ve noticed that my Spanish doesn’t sound as professional and business like as theirs. That is one of my goals, to improve that area and get certified to teach because it will not only help me but I can help others as well.
With a language comes grammar and writing to complement it, without these two, a language is not complete. Many people don’t look at the whole picture when they are learning a language. They think that learning a language is only a matter of having a conversation. When I start a new class many people tell me, “I only want to learn the language so let’s focus on speaking and forget about the grammar and writing.” So it is very important to emphasize that not only is it important to learn a language but it is also important to learn about the language which is the grammar and everything that comes with it.
Many times I am left wondering about many things in life, I’m curious to know if people question themselves as much as I do, if they reflect about a million things, if their mind is flying at a million miles per hour. That’s one of the reasons why I’ve never been able to sit down and have a moment’s rest, I’ve never been able to meditate or do yoga, that’s why I always bombard myself with many things to avoid myself from wondering about things that I cannot find an answer or a solution to.
As of lately I’ve been digging for the answers to these questions related to languages;
What would the world be like and how would it operate if writing didn’t exist? How are languages and globalization connected? Can languages be the root cause of international problems? Why? Why is it important to know, spread and protect our mother tongue?
As a language expert, writer, translator and editor, many times I don’t even enjoy the simple fact of reading a book because I don’t even concentrate on the story itself; I unconsciously start looking for mistakes and my highlighter always comes in handy.
There have been funny times when my panicked students tell me in class, “I sent out an email to the VP, the CEO and all the top people at the company and I said, hi “gays,” instead of hi “guys.” Or someone once said “Hi, I hope you’re having a good “mourning.” Or, “let’s go to the “bitch.” And endless hysterical incidents that I never would’ve imagined it would happen to me since I am a “language expert,” until about two weeks ago when I was in the middle of working on a translation project and the client decided that he wanted the translation sooner than what we had originally agreed. Here I was stuck to my computer working very late nights which is extremely difficult for me because I am so not a late night person. So needless to say I meant to tell the man, “Bear with me,” but instead I said, “Bare with me.” I wanted to beat my head against the wall; it was not acceptable to make such stupid mistake like that because I am always very careful with my words especially by email. I was mortified because my butt was on the line but I let it slip right through and I only made the matter worse.

Do you need a nickname for your private parts?

Do you need a nickname for your private parts?
February 20, 2011
By: Gina Roman


Anyone would’ve either wet their pants or they would’ve been left with their jaw dropped on the floor had they heard what I did earlier this week while I was dining at a restaurant off of Avenida Americas, close to the school where I teach.
There’s this thing or many things I don’t get about guys and when it comes to talking about sex and their private parts, I’m not implying that girls don’t do it. Of course we do! Women definitely talk about sex and all the scope about getting cozy with a guy but in a more private setting with long-term female friends. We want to know whether or not they are good kissers, good lovers and the whole enchilada, but as far as naming down there “tunnel,” “treasure vault,” “butter muffin,” or some silly name like that, NOPE! Perhaps many women do come up with names for their privates but I never have and neither have a few women I talked to over the weekend.
After meeting with a client on Wednesday, I stopped for a quick bite before my first class at ASFG. My mind was flying around wondering about all the potentials there are as far as making money and all these projects that I am going to make happen little by little. I decided to give my mind a break and started reading the newspaper when suddenly two guys walked into the restaurant and sat on the table next to me. There I was too into my reading trying to concentrate because they were being too loud. I’ve always despised eavesdropping but as much as I avoided it, I couldn’t help listening to their conversation.
They had the nerve to talk about their penis and the way they come up with all these silly names for it! They didn’t seem to care about the fact that I was right there. Uuuhm, in fact they were doing it on purpose so I could hear them? What in the world was going through their minds? Maybe they just wanted to pull my leg.
Who knows but I almost spit my juice out when I heard the endless list of names. I kept giving them weird looks on purpose hoping that they would just shut up but they didn’t! So much for the “conservative” culture in Guadalajara huh!? That is one of the most contradicting things to debate about, when people say they are very conservative and they hide behind this “mask of culture” They deprive themselves from expressing their feelings in public yet many individuals live a double life. They hide their actions, they much rather do that than express their true feelings and instincts.
To make the long and boring story short, I immediately got my notebook and pen out so these are some of the names I was able to catch, my recorder would’ve been a lot more useful so I could share it or upload it and people would believe me; “Pancho Villa” - because it’s always ready to shoot, “anaconda,” - because when it is in heat, it grows bigger and bigger, “el Capitan,” - because it’s always in charge, “Ibuprofen,” - because there isn’t any better cure for a headache, “Godzilla,” “Pelotas y bate,” “el micrófono,” “el francotirador” - hitman because it never misses the target, “Rambo,” “herramienta,” the tool, “el niño,” - the boy, “el bombero,” -because it always wears a helmet and it puts every fire out, “mandarria,” I have no clue of what this means! “Winchester,” “control machete,” “mi mejor amigo para atacar al enemigo,” – my best friend to attack the enemy, etc.
The next couple of times I run into guys at a restaurant I won’t help and wonder what the subject of their conversation will be, perhaps I’ll bring my earplugs or I’ll listen to them and write about it………….. I guess I´ll stick to the second option.

Monday February 7 2011

Monday February 7, 2011
Last weekend I slept a lot because I was exhausted from getting up at the crack of dawn every single day this week.
Monday was a holiday, día de la constitución so needless to say I skipped my workout. 
I’m becoming too Mexicanized. Wait! I am Mexican, what am I talking about!?
I interviewed a potential teacher to be for the six month project at the end of next month.
I went to meet with the Director of Benebion to start a 10 day translation project. In the morning when I went to see him we had agreed that the work was to be turned in on Friday the 18th but apparently he changed his mind and he now wants it much sooner than that.
I had class with JP in the morning our last class. It is such a good feeling every time a student tells me that they feel a lot more confident about their English fluency.
6pm I had class with a wonderful lady I met a few months back. She is a very sophisticated woman who seems to be very fond of me, she always confides many very personal things to me.

Tuesday February 8,
I almost didn’t make it to the gym because I “overslept” the entire weekend so I wanted to keep sleeping. I couldn’t get my mojo going, I couldn’t stop yawning so I was only able to manage this wimpy workout. I went to Benebion to make some arrangements with the people there to make sure they installed the program to get my people up and running with the project but they changed their mind so now it is going to take a little longer. I also went to keep an eye on them for a little while. It feels so good to manage people, I’m starting to get the hang of this, and I’m actually really enjoying it! In the evening I interviewed a potential teacher for the 6 week project coming up. I was not too convinced but I desperately need more people.
I called the CRT, the AGI Archivo General de la India and the CONABIO –Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Bioversidad to see about getting the approval to use a map showing all the tequila and mescal regions in Mexico. I need this information for “The Road to Tequila,” a documentary I’m working on with a producer from Seattle Washington. I started working on this project in June of last year. Working on a documentary is very time consuming because there are a lot of small details to check out. But it’s okay because I really enjoy learning new things.
Later in the evening I ran into this acquaintance, I knew we’d bump into each other at some point since we live so close that we’re almost neighbors. Even though it’s nice to live close to people, sometimes I get this funny feeling about it because I don’t like so much closeness with strangers.
I took my nephew for a walk, we jumped, ran, danced, got wet in the water fountain, laughed, ate potato chips. It is so beautiful and peaceful to spend time with a child. Even though he’s nonstop and I get a bit overwhelmed with him sometimes, the moments I spend with him are very special because he’s one of the most precious human beings in my life.

Wednesday February 9, 2011
I had the hardest time waking up again, I got up a bit late so I had to rush getting dress and popping my breakfast into my mouth before I stormed out. I stopped by OXXO a deli store to get some water since I forgot my bottle somewhere in the twenty different places I was at yesterday. I made it right at 7am to my client’s office but it turns out that he had forgotten our meeting and he cancelled on the spot. He must have seen the disappointment on my face that he offered to pay the appointment and of course I didn’t debate that because that was the least thing he could’ve done. He was very embarrassed and felt bad, he’s very ethical, professional and respectful; it is worthwhile to work with that type of people. I wish everyone were like that. Today I am interviewing another 2 people for the project; we’ll see how it turns out.

I interviewed another two people, they are my ex psychologist kids (they are in their twenties). I always get a sense of people and these two seem to be excellent kids.
Ok, I would’ve much rather have only three people for this project to avoid paper work, time, paying more money, blah, blah, blah! But I have a hard time finding foreigners who want to work on Saturdays even though they are fully aware that this is only a six week project. I already have five people, now I’ve got one more to go. We’ll see what the day holds tomorrow.
I ran home after the interviews, picked up my nephew and took him for a walk again. “Siempre me agarra bien madreada.” Ha, ha!
Thursday February 10
I made it to the gym – I got there at 5:20 and I was actually able to get my momentum going. I didn’t work out as hard as I should’ve but the simple fact that I got up is what matters. There’s a hug abyss in wanting to do something and actually getting to it than just wanting it and always waiting till tomorrow. Yeeeeeah! I actually kicked my butt! My legs are a bit shaky right now. I was interviewed by a radio station who’s promoting the gym. I was asked many questions about Health and Fitness and some callers inquired the fact of how I get motivated to get up at the crack of dawn to work out. I replied, “When there’s a will there’s a way.” If you can’t get motivated to do what you want in life then that means that you don’t really want it with your heart mind and soul.
I love starting my days out like this. It is 7:45 and I’m already having breakfast as I type away. When I got there, there was only another older man who irritated the heck out of me because he was checking out my ass in the most morbid way. YUCK!
In fact, I ran into him once before just as I was arriving to the gym and he was whistling at me!! I hate that! Of course I ignored him. I was laughing with three guys who always get there together and work out together. If one of them doesn’t make it, the other one doesn’t either. It reminds me of my kindergarten and early elementary school days when I’d always spend time with another two or three little girls, we’d always run around everywhere skipping and holding hands. LOL!
They always ask me what drug/substance am I into because I always seem so energized. I’m only another human being, I just keep trying. And in reality, many times I wish I could just stay in bed and get more zzzzzzzz’s.

This week I made it my goal to type every single day as opposed to waiting till the last minute on Sunday.
I have to edit some work, then I’m headed out to class, I’m working with this woman who’s got a fashion design website in English and she updates her blog every single day. I’m not into fashion but this course is forcing me to get familiarized with all that. It is not difficult but it is a challenge because my brain has to be at its full capacity ALL the time. I have to be on top of everything. After that I’m going to a company to supervise the 10 day translation project.


Friday Feb 11, 2011

I’m swamped, snowed under with work!
I didn’t have one minute of sleep last night yet I was at the gym at 5:15 this morning.
I rushed home to get to this 10 day project which is due Friday the 18th.
I have about 120 pages to check – three people are helping me do the translation but since English is not their native language I’ve had to make A LOT of changes.
I’m having breakfast and working as I type. In fact I only have 10 minutes before I storm out to class.
Saturday February 12, 2011
My workout? It was out of the question to go to the gym this morning since I have this translation deadline coming up next Friday. Although that doesn’t mean that I slept in, I got up at about the same time. 5:50 to shower, to get to breakfast and to get my stuff ready for my long day today.
Here we are the four of us working away trying to finish up this translation. Normally when I get a translation from English to Spanish or vice-versa, I rather hire native speakers to avoid creating more work for myself since I’m the one who checks everything. But this time I couldn’t find any English native speakers because of the deadline.
I’m supposed to go on a road trip with a friend of mine later on today but he hasn’t called or messaged and I am dead! I could take a quick siesta because I’m dozing off as I type.
My friend actually did call so we headed out to Chapala. It was very nice and relaxing. Even though Chapala is very Americanized now, it was very beautiful or perhaps I found it beautiful because I hadn’t been there in a long time? I got home at about 9:30 and crashed right away.

Sunday Feb 13, 2011
Aaaaaw! A day before Valentine’s Day and I’m single again. It really doesn’t bother me at this point anymore because I’m not the only single person in this world.
It was more than a normal day, I got up at 7:15, went for a 30 minute semi power walk and a 25 minute jog/run. I ran a little faster than normal. There was a slight pain on my knee but it is has definitely gotten better.
I’m happy to be able to run even though it is not on a competition level. Even though sometimes I wish I could do long, intensive and hard core runs like before, I am happy because I’ve done my part, I accomplished it and I am fulfilled that aspect. As long as I stay in shape, I’ll always be happy. Uuuhm, except when I’m having a fat day.
I came home, showered, went to church, came back and went to class with S. a client I’ve had for about 7 months now. He’s the director of an architecture company. I had class on a Sunday!! I am a workaholic!
I concluded my day working on that translation due this coming week.
I’m ready for a new round, I want to start my week kicking butt in every aspect. I’m trying to think what could be wrong with the configurations in my computer because I tried uploading pictures on my blog but it won’t let me, all it comes up is a bunch of symbols and characters. I’ll have to ask someone who knows how to fix that because I am terrible when it comes to computers and numbers.

My passion my life

My passion my life
Sunday February 6, 2011
By: Gina Roman

This week has been a very tough week because not only have I been physically exhausted but emotionally exhausted as well. Perhaps because I am on my period, it is more likely that. Dealing with menstrual cycles and emotions is one of the toughest challenges I and millions of women worldwide have to face month after month. I am normally the type of person who operates with hardly any sleep, work, work, work until my battery runs out, when my body cannot take the strain anymore, rest for a while, recharge my batteries and then go, go go again.

I am restless but when that wonderful TOM (time of the month) comes, life seems to happen in such slow motion, I have a hard time waking up and getting out of bed, I move a lot slower and I tend to perform at a very slow pace, everything seems gray and tragic, all I want to do is cry for no reason, sometimes I find myself crying my guts out on my way to work and I don’t even know why! Cravings are out of control, I feel like sticking EVERYTHING in my mouth! I am normally good with my diet and eating healthy but during those days I apply the “Seafood diet” (seefood diet), I let myself go and eat anything I can get my hands on. periods are a true ordeal!
I’m very intense when it comes to feelings and every single Sunday when I sit down to get away from reality and write I try not to let my emotions get mixed with my writing but they always do and it makes me wonder how this world operates without emotions or at least that’s what they portray.

Earlier this week I thought of the fact of how the end of 2010 and this year have brought many blessings to my life and how almost every single morning of this year I have excitedly gotten out of bed at the crack of dawn to get my workout out of the way before I start my long day. Before getting out of bed I take a few minutes to pray, after that I close my eyes and envision my short and long term goals. I always have a notebook and a pen to jot them down and any idea that comes up which will motivate me to write on Sundays. Since the year started, I’ve developed a more positive attitude and I’ve been focusing on my dreams and passions, I’ve asked God to guide me and help me clarify what my purpose in this life is. I've narrowed it down to writing and fitness; if I could do the two at the same time that would be a dream come true! Help people lead a healthy lifestyle and write about it at the same time, I couldn’t ask for anything better.

There are many more things I want to do in life but I have to admit that I am EXTREMELY slow about taking action. I tend to think about things once, again and again. Although this year I have proven myself that I am capable of doing a lot more than I ever imagined so now I am less afraid to take a stand. One of the strongest disappointments in life is personal failure. I always push myself to be a better (not perfect) human being in every aspect and I expect more from myself. Sometimes I try to handle too many things at once and I get them done but I forget about “me,” and I end up getting very sad and exhausted because I feel like I am not doing enough.

I found one of the reasons as to why I’ve been feeling very sad and emotionally exhausted this week in spite of trying to be happy and positive about the economy despite all the turmoil going on in Mexico. Wednesday morning when I got to the gym, I turned on the tv as usual. The first thing I saw were the headlines “granadazos, balaceras y narcobloqueos en siete puntos de Guadalajara.” Granades, shootings, and road blocks in seven different places within Guadalajara. As much as people said that the pointless and stupid drug war was not going to expand here, now it is happening. Shock, anger, sadness, emptiness, disappointment, fear, impotence ran through me and I started shivering.

I literally started crying in the middle of my workout. Almost every single day for the past few months/years I’d watch the news and it was this happening here, that happening there, so far away from Guadalajara but now it is so close! I don’t know how much longer this will go on for. What saddens me the most is that people are sick! I don’t like to use this word but they are basically possessed. They are fighting for power, for money, all of this is unnecessary.

How many more innocent people are going to die? How much longer will this happen? Why is it happening?
I cannot bear the fact that people are willing to destroy our country, our resources, our nature, our culture, all the beauty surrounding us. I would like to believe that this is happening for a reason and that there will be a good ending.
Another thing I cannot believe is how people mock the situation, like those idiots from that British program Top Gear. Those comments full of venom that they made about Mexico and Mexicans. How dare they describe Mexicans as lazy, irresponsible and overweight? I’m surprised they don’t know that England is among the most obese countries worldwide.
There isn’t anything wrong with Mexico except for the natural tragedies just like it happens in every single country. It’s people who are destroying it. It’s a few Mexicans as well as some foreigners who come here to do as they please because they know they can get away with it.

I wish people would stop blaming Mexico and hiding behind that excuse.
Not long ago I read an article on The Lake Chapala Review, a magazine I used to write for and the writer expressed similar feelings. He talked about how he was tired of people overlooking the good things of Mexico. I loved the fact that he put a long list of where Mexico is at, business wise, culture wise, it was an endless list. I lent that magazine to one of my students and she lost it. I wish I would’ve made a copy of that article and showed it to the world to prove them wrong.

Tomorrow is another week, a new beginning, many responsibilities are lying ahead so I better focus on that and keep thinking about my passion my life. Writing has always been one of them. My journal entries began long ago, 25 years ago I started putting my thoughts and feelings into paper. Traces of my writing have been left everywhere I’ve lived, someday I’d like to find them and put them all together in one place and when I expire, I want them to go with me. Writing has been the process of developing myself in many ways. It hasn’t been easy because day by day, month after month, year by year I expect more from myself.